The satisfying feeling of clean laundry neatly folded and ready to wear starts with a well-designed space. Modern laundry rooms have come a long way from their traditional placement in the corner of the basement, offering both practicality and style. Discover expert tips from Bay Area Cabinetry designers to make things easier to locate, use, and maintain in your laundry, many of these ideas will be useful for remodeling a kitchen, too.
Functionality in Design
When planning your laundry room design, prioritize functionality. Begin by measuring the space and selecting a layout that works best for you - whether it's straight-run, L-shaped, or galley-type. Consider the items you'll need to store in your cabinets, from detergents and dryer sheets to cleaning supplies and ironing essentials. Pay attention to the height of appliances and countertops to ensure you are not bending or reaching too much during laundry tasks. Opt for solutions such as stacked washer and dryer units or wall-mounted drying racks to maximize your floor space.
One of the challenges in a small laundry room is finding appliances that don’t take up too much space; however, there are many smart options available. Look for a washer and dryer combo that can fit in a tight corner. Consider space-saving hacks, such as a hidden ironing board and broom closet.
Durable Surfaces
Considering the frequent use and potential spills in laundry rooms, it's important to choose surfaces that can withstand daily use. Investing in high-quality materials will benefit in the long run. Kitchen cabinets and laundry room cabinets are typically made of similar materials and finishes. If a cabinet is durable enough for your kitchen, it should also work well for your laundry room. We prefer using Cucine LUBE cabinets for our laundry remodels.
Open Cabinets and Closed Storage Solutions
Storage is essential for decluttering. Some homes have a dedicated room for a washer and dryer, while others may only have a small space or closet with limited storage. Whether your laundry room storage is behind cabinet doors or on an open shelf, everything should be as organized as possible.
Open cabinets and shelves allow for quick access to your laundry essentials. To prevent it from looking cluttered, use matching baskets to keep things tidy. A wall-mounted rack provides an organized place to keep clothes hangers and items that need drying or ironing.
Closed storage will keep cleaning supplies out of children’s reach. To balance out closed cabinetry, add open shelves to hold towels, baskets, and other functional items. To visualize and refine your ideas check out the Cerasa laundry collection and laundry room designs on Houzz.
Washing and Drying Area
Create designated sorting stations with hampers or bins to simplify laundry organization. Label bins according to color, material, or family member for efficient sorting. Maximize space around your washer and dryer with shelving and hooks for air-drying delicate items, and keep laundry supplies easily accessible in designated storage containers.
Utilize Wall Space
When it comes to designing a small laundry room, wall space is your best friend. Floor-to-ceiling shelving is a great way to make use of vertical space. Once you’ve installed your storage units, organize them efficiently. Add a shelf above the washing machine for items you need to grab quickly. By installing storage units above eye level, you can keep rarely-used items out of the way while creating more space for frequently-used. Baskets, bins, and dividers will keep small items like detergents and fabric softeners easy to access. Built-in cabinets are another great option for maximizing vertical space. Optimize your laundry room's functionality without sacrificing precious floor space.
Light Up the Space
Don’t forget about lighting. It should complement your overall decor theme and meet your specific laundry needs. If your laundry room has windows, use natural light as much as possible. Overhead ceiling lighting should be positioned in the center of the room or evenly spaced, while task lighting can be strategically placed above work areas, such as countertops or ironing boards, to prevent shadows and provide enough light for detailed tasks. Under-cabinet lighting adds brightness to countertops, ensuring that every corner of the room is well-lit. Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lights remotely, set timers, or even adjust the color temperature to suit different tasks or moods. Look for laundry room lighting ideas on Pinterest.
In conclusion
By focusing on design elements that prioritize functionality, you’ll have a space that looks good and works efficiently. Whatever you need, working with a designer can ensure a well-organized layout and a custom solution for your space. Our team can help you create an innovative, smart laundry room that remains true to your aesthetic. We are conveniently located in the heart of San Francisco's Design District. Schedule your consultation and get a free estimate!